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Governance Membership
Mr A. Boyd - Chairman of Governors
Adrian is an Old Olavian (1983-90) and during his time at the school was 1st XV rugby captain and deputy head boy (it was before the school became co-ed!). Following St Olave’s he went up to Cambridge University and graduated in chemical engineering, as well as earning a Blue for rugby.
Starting work Adrian qualified as a chartered accountant and worked for many years as a managing director at UBS, a large financial services firm. He is now CFO at Macfarlanes, a law firm based in London.
He has school governor experience having been a co-opted governor of a primary school federation in Hackney and the responsible officer for the Bridge Academy (also in Hackney, a secondary school sponsored by UBS). Adrian & his wife Lisa live locally in Chelsfield and have 3 children. The eldest, Billy, formerly a pupil at St. Olave’s, is currently at Lancaster University, Abby is at Birmingham University and the youngest Emily is in the St. Olave's Sixth Form. All the family love travelling and taking part in an assortment of sports and fitness activities.
Councillor Robert Evans - Vice-Chair
Robert was educated at a small Essex grammar school before moving on to gain a B.Sc in Physics at Reading University and a Diploma in Education at Bristol University.
He enjoyed a career in teaching in both maintained and independent sectors holding several senior posts including the headship of Watford Grammar School. As well as working within a variety of schools he was an examiner in ‘A’ level Physics and a lead inspector in the Independent Schools’
equivalent to Ofsted.
Bob has been an elected Councillor in Bromley since 2006 mainly for Farnborough & Crofton ward. He has held several senior roles including a five-year stint as Cabinet member for Social Care. He now sits on several Scrutiny committees and is a Board member of Mytime Active, a Governor of King’s University Hospital Trust and a member of Rochester Diocesian Board of Education and the Court of St. Olave’s & St Saviours.
He is an experienced school governor having served as such at several schools in Bromley and Croydon including being Chair of Governors at the Priory School.
Bob lives in Locksbottom with his wife Desiree who is a retired Health Visitor- and currently a Governor at Ravenswood School.
They have two grown up sons- one a lawyer living in London and the other running a Private Equity Fund in California and having their only two grandchildren.
He is an all-round sports fanatic- President of Rosslyn Park Rugby Club, a member of MCC & Essex County Cricket Club and a lifelong and long-suffering West Ham supporter willing to bore anyone at the drop of a hat about the glory days of Moore, Hurst, Peters et al.
Bob wishes to use his wide experience to support the school in its continuing development.
Ms S. Rose
Passionate about safeguarding, Safron is a child protection specialist, who qualified as a social worker in 1990. She has held several operational and strategic posts, and prior to setting up her own safeguarding consultancy company, she was Director of Children’s Services for London and the South East at the NSPCC for ten years.
She has managed a broad range of multi-disciplinary services that protect and promote the wellbeing and welfare of children and young people. She has been a member of several government advisory groups and is the author of a number of Serious Case Reviews.
In her current consultancy role, she works with diverse organizations and business sectors across England and the Channel Islands to ensure effective child protection polices, procedures and practice. She is also a trustee at a national children’s charity.
In her spare time, Safron is a keen skier, enjoys wandering around art galleries, going to the theatre and to trip the light fantastic on the dance floor.
Dr D Ryall
David has been a Foundation Governor of
St. Olave's since September 2017. He sits on the Pastoral and Admissions committees and is also the Link Governor for the SLT.
David is currently the Director of the Santa Marta Group, which is an international NGO that works to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. An experienced trustee, he is a board member of a charity working in the Middle East and a trustee of the St. Olave's and St Saviour's Schools Foundation, where he sits on the Funds Committee, and was formerly a member of the Expert Advisory Council of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery.
Mrs Sarika Chaudhary
Sarika has a rich background in education and secondary school leadership. She has the experience of diverse settings ranging from inner city state schools, international private schools, mixed as well as single sex schools and has the track record of sustaining high standards that are validated through Outstanding Ofsted Judgements.
Sarika is currently a Deputy Headteacher in a large secondary school in London. In this role, she leads on Quality of Education with a focus on curriculum design, teaching & learning, assessment, professional development and careers education. In her previous senior management experience, Sarika has led the English faculty, SEND provision for neurodiverse students and pastoral care of students aged 11-18 years.
Sarika became the Co-opted Governor in 2018, after serving as a Parent Governor in the school for five years. Sarika is the Chair of the Curriculum Committee and Link Governor for Creative Arts Faculty in 2022-23.
Sarika grew up in New Delhi, India, where she pursued her education, including a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English Literature at Lady Shree Ram College, University of Delhi.
Sarika has loved the experience of fusion of cultures and ideologies in her journey of travelling around different countries. She lives in Orpington with her husband, Ajay. Their son enjoyed the experience as a student at St Olave’s Grammar School and then studied BSc Economics from London School of Economics.
Mrs Alexandra Fabian
Alex joined the governing body of St Olave’s in April 2018 and is the Dulwich Estate appointed governor. She is the Chair of the Curriculum and HR committee. Alex lives in Dulwich and has four sons, now in their twenties.
She read Classics at Wadham College, Oxford and her background is as a merchant banker for N M Rothschild & Sons Limited, where she worked in their corporate finance division. She moved to Ottawa, Canada in 1990 and worked at The Conference Board of Canada, a business think tank, until her eldest son was born, moving back to the UK in1992.
She has been involved in education for many years, as a governor, PTA committee member, a parent, and, for the last ten years, as an employee of Dulwich College. She is a former Chair of Governors and Parent Governor at Dulwich College Infants’ School, a Church of England school.
Alex is married to Andy, who is the finance director of an IT company. She runs two reading groups, a netball team, loves playing tennis and spends lots of time in the Isle of Wight.
Dr Mohammad A. Fallaha
Mohammad attended Olave's from 2007 - 2013, serving as co-School Captain in his final year there, prior to attending Medical School at Imperial College London where he graduated with triple distinctions in Medical Science, Clinical Science and Medical Practice. During this time, he also obtained a First Class (Hons) BSc in Pharmacology, alongside his MBBS.
He is currently a trainee surgeon in the East of England Deanery, rotating through hospitals within the region during his training period. He has published in journals on topics within general surgery, paediatrics and orthopaedics, and has presented internationally in medical conferences.
More recently, Mohammad has shifted his focus on education within healthcare, and has begun performing research on optimising surgical education for medical students and junior doctors. He runs a free national teaching course for final year medical students annually, and is often invited to talk to undergraduates at medical schools both in the UK and abroad. He is undertaking a PGCert in medical education to further his knowledge on pedagogy and learning, and is keen to use his understanding of pedagogy and passion for teaching to give back as a Governor at St Olave's.
His interests outside of work include skiing, travelling, and all things automotive. When he's not at work, you'll likely find him in a cafe planning his next road trip!
Mrs A. Baldwin Webb
Ariane joined the Governing Body of St. Olave’s Grammar School in October 2022. She has an honours degree in Law from the University of Kent, and is an experienced financial crime prevention practitioner with over 17 years' experience in the city of London.
As part of that she has been delivering process change, identifying key risk controls in numerous control functions including internal audit, compliance, risk and client onboarding in numerous business lines and sectors including asset management and investment banking. Most recently Ariane acted as an MLRO, Sanctions Officer for a boutique asset manager and then became a Course for the International Compliance Association, a leading professional regulatory and financial crime compliance training provider, where she created a new course for Money Laundering Reporting Officers. She is currently working for a large bank in financial crime compliance in London.
Ariane hopes to add value to St. Olave’s Governing Body with her skills and experience in risk management, understanding of regulatory knowledge, and with her passion for lifelong learning. Ariane lives in Orpington with her two children. Her son is a current Olavian, and her daughter is at Newstead Woods. Ariane’s interests include reading, gardening, and travel.
Mr R. Bhatnagar
I have been working as an IT manager for 21 years, after completing my studies in Computer Engineering from India and an MBA in Project Management.
I am currently responsible for managing programmes for a financial institution. I live in Orpington with my family, including my elder son who is attending school here. Additionally, I am trained as a mental first aider and have a keen interest in partnering with people.
During my free time, I enjoy going for walks, playing table tennis, and watching movies with great enthusiasm.
Mr P. Bassett
I have had the privilege of both studying (1975-82) and teaching (2016-22) at St. Olave’s, and now retired, welcome the opportunity to continue my association as a Governor.
On leaving St. Olave's, I gained a BSc Pure Mathematics and Statistics degree at Exeter University which in turn led to a 30-year career in The City, working in client relationship roles within stockbroking, investment banking and asset management.
In 2013, it was time to change course and I trained for a new career in teaching inspired by a seed that was planted during work experience at STOGS in 1981. I taught at Coopers School Chislehurst, before joining the teaching staff at St. Olave's as a Teacher of Mathematics. Whilst at the school, I was responsible for developing an Outreach Programme to local Primary Schools. I was also 2i/C and Head of KS4 in the Maths faculty.
40 years after leaving St. Olave’s as a student I retired in 2022, however I do not want to just walk away from a school that has given me so much over these four decades. I relish the opportunity to use my skills, and experiences from teaching at the school to proactively support its continued development, whilst again working with colleagues who supported me during my tenure at St. Olave’s.
I grew up and lived in the Orpington area for almost 50 years, until recently moving into Kent. I am married to Julie and have three children. I am a season ticket holder at Arsenal, enjoy playing golf and am looking forward to extra theatre visits and to exploring more of the UK.
Dr A. Abbattista
After receiving a BA and MA in Philology, Tradition and Classical Literature from the University of Bologna, I completed a PhD in Classics and taught as Visiting Lecturer at the University of Roehampton. Alongside my academic research and publications, I then decided to move to secondary school teaching to inspire pupils with my knowledge of and passion for ancient Greek and Latin.
I have been working at St. Olave’s for four years as Classics teacher, and have constantly embraced the opportunities received to develop my leadership skills and to contribute to the vision and ethos of the school. In fact, I monitor and support the academic performance and wellbeing of Year 7/8 pupils as Head of Year; my pastoral role consists also in co-ordinating the Outreach provision we offer to local primary schools, the RSHE curriculum and the House system; in addition, I am part of the Child Protection team acting as Deputy DSL. Having been appointed as Staff Governor, I hope to make a real contribution to the behaviour and culture of our school.
In my free time, I enjoy travelling with my husband, reading academic books and watching dramatic performances.
Rev’d George Rogers
I am very happy to have been appointed as a foundation governor at St Olave’s and look forward to getting more involved in the life of the school. I am presently the Vicar of All Saints’ Orpington.
I have lived in the US, the UK and Canada. I am a graduate of Yale and I have been a priest for twenty-one years. I used to enjoy riding, ice hockey and squash, but prefer running these days to keep fit. Reading is also a passion- philosophy, Ruth Rendell novels and psychoanalytical works, as well as perusing varieties of maps. I also enjoy playing classical guitar.
I most recently served as the Vicar of the Benefice of Milton Regis with Murston, Bapchild and Tonge, in the Diocese of Canterbury.
During my tenure, I served as a foundation governor at Bapchild and Tonge Church of England primary school as well as Sunnybank primary school. I also served as chaplain to the Air Cadets, to the Sea Cadets, to the Rugby club and at Canterbury cathedral. My wife Dr Yun Lee Too is a Cambridge educated classicist who has taught at Cambridge, Liverpool, Columbia and Royal Holloway. She has published widely on various Greek and Latin topics. Yun Lee has also taught courses and led workshops
in the London and New York and on Christian hospitality, has led scholarly Bible studies; looking at the ancient roots and meanings of words in Biblical texts and has been on a team in the diocese of Canterbury teaching the “Deepening Discipleship” course. She enjoys the worship and fellowship at All Saints’ as well as being closer to the library of the Institute for Classical Studies in London.
We are both foodies who enjoy dinner parties as well as the fine wine that goes with it. Theatre and concerts are also favourite activities.
Mr Sean Lambert
Sean attended St. Olave’s from 1983-1990 and was in the same form and rugby team as Adrian Boyd. He also enjoyed choir, acting, cricket and athletics. He read Latin with Greek and Linguistics at Exeter University and was an Army bursar.
After a training injury cut short his army career, he trained as an accountant with Arthur Andersen in Reading and subsequently worked in recruitment and HR for Michael Page Finance, Accenture, IBM and Merrill Lynch, where he headed up Graduate and MBA Recruitment for Europe for the Investment Banking Division.
Sean decided to become a teacher in 2002 and, after a short spell at Abingdon School, spent four years at St Paul’s School in London, 10 years at Eton College as Head of Year 12 and a House Master, and two years at Benenden School as Deputy Head. His last full time role was as Senior Housemaster and Head of Classics at Reading Blue Coat School. Alongside his teaching career he built a small property development company. He has been running Minerva Supported Living Ltd since 2020 and is currently a part time classics teacher at Rugby School.
He is a Freeman of The Drapers’ Company and served as a Governor of The Draper’s Academy for eight years.
Mr Gavin Counsell
Gavin joined the Governing Body of St. Olave's School as a Foundation Governor in November 2024, and is also a member of the Resources Committee.
Having enjoyed STEM subjects as school, Gavin went on to gain a first-class Master in Mathematics Degree from the University of Warwick. Following university, Gavin qualified as an actuary and is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Gavin is currently a senior fund manager, leading the UK multi asset team at Allianz Global Investors, having worked in the finance and investment industry for over 20 years.
Gavin is looking forward to bringing his skills and experience to support the school and its continued development.
Gavin grew up in Reading, moved to London in 2000, and has lived in West Wickham since 2007. He is a father of three children, his son is a current Olavian having joined the school in 2023. Having been a keen sportsman throughout his childhood, including playing rugby for both school, local club and university, Gavin now tries to keep himself active with swimming, running, and cycling, and light-hearted badminton, and the occasional bit of Pilates.
Mrs Sarah Sword
Sarah has considerable experience as a senior leader and Deputy Headteacher in grammar schools in Bexley, Medway and Bromley.
She is passionate about teaching and learning, student wellbeing and its importance in enabling students to achieve their potential. Sarah has been a qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead for over five years and is also a qualified Mental Health First Aider.
Sarah has a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and discovered her love for teaching while lecturing in Avionics to members of the Royal Air Force.
She has recently been appointed as a foundation governor and is looking forward to supporting the governing body and the school.
Sarah loves travelling and has a particular fondness for hiking, an interest that she shares with her husband and daughters, who are both currently studying at St. Olave’s.
Ms Caroline Marwood
Caroline taught at St Olave’s for 23 years before retiring in July 2024. Having enjoyed such a long and happy association with the school, she is keen to utilise her many years of experience as a teacher and department leader, as well as her understanding of this very special environment, to serve the continued development of St Olave’s.
Having trained as a classical musician, she worked for many years in the profession, playing with orchestras, theatre companies and chamber music groups, alongside teaching and coaching. However, with a background in Science, and a strong desire to undertake further study, Caroline embarked on an Open University journey, graduating in 1999 with a first class degree in Natural Sciences.
Arriving at St. Olave’s as an NQT Science teacher in 2001, Caroline has worked as Key Stage 3 Coordinator for Science, Head of Biology and Head of Science. She coached Sixth Form Netball for many years, and was lucky enough to run a series of Sixth Form conservation trips to destinations such as Honduras, South Africa and Peru. Above all she has an enduring interest in teaching and learning, and in the motivating forces driving both teachers and students.
Caroline is married to a professional musician and lives in Chelsfield. She has two children both of whom attended Newstead Wood School, and both, despite her best efforts, became musicians. Upon retirement she has refocused on her musical commitments, has embarked on a fascinating learning journey in Art, and volunteers with Kent Wildlife Trust.
Mr David McBride
David joined the Governing Body in March 2024, having been a pupil at the school from 1985-1992. After leaving school he took a “gap” year, working in Parliament, before completing an Education and History degree at Goldsmiths, University of London.
He has taught in primary and special schools, mainly in Bexley, for 26 years before deciding on a change of career. He is currently the Education manager at one of the prisons in London. During his teaching career he was made a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and achieved his NPQH – a qualification to prepare people for Headship.
Away from education David spent 16 years as a councillor representing the St. Mary Cray and St. Paul’s Cray areas of Orpington, before he stood down in 2014. During that time he was leader of his party and mayor of the London of Bromley in 2011-12. He was appointed a JP in 2015, sitting at Bexley and Bromley magistrates’ courts.
He enjoys reading, watching rugby and cricket and history (inspired by two particular teachers at St. Olave’s).
Mr A. Rees
Andrew grew up just outside Cardiff, and graduated in Chemistry from Bristol University. He has been in education for the last 25 years, working previously in two high performing independent schools, before joining St. Olave’s in 2004.
His roles at St. Olave’s have included being Head of Chemistry and Head of Science; he joined the Senior Leadership Team in 2009. Andrew was made Acting Headteacher in October 2017, and was very proud to have been appointed as Headteacher in June 2018.
In his spare time, Andrew enjoys running, watching rugby and trips to the theatre with his wife.
Mr Rob Pell
Rob attended St Olave’s for sixth form 2008-2010, after which he studied Mathematics at the University of East Anglia. He is now an investor at a London-based alternative investment manager.
After graduating, Rob qualified as a chartered accountant with EY before moving into Investment Banking. He now works at Blantyre Capital, a multi-£bn London-based investment firm focussing on public and private debt and equity, covering a range of industries including the education sector.
He is a Chartered Accountant (ICAS), has an MBA with Dean’s List and Distinction from London Business School, and holds a first class Master of Mathematics (MMath) from the University of East Anglia.
Rob now lives in Herne Hill in South London and is a keen but amateur self-taught guitarist. His other hobbies include live music (attending and playing), hiking, gardening, and classic cars. He also volunteers as a mentor with SEO London, supporting underrepresented students.
